A financial expert weighs in on how you can save money shopping this holiday season.

Holiday shopping can leave anyone spent, literally. Whether you have a big or small family, when it comes time to buying gifts, your wallet isn't always happy.

There's nothing wrong with being a giver this holiday season. Who wouldn't want to be on Santa's nice list?

But, there's a way to be generous without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips so that you can start the new year unweighted by financial coal from overspending during the holidays.

Collaborative gifting

Don't turn buying gifts into a competition.

The idea that you're gifting something to someone is a grand gesture, so put in the teamwork to get one awesome gift for that special person. Yes, that means it's time to diffuse that sibling rivalry.

💰When people tell me they busted their budget for the holidays, I ask them if they even had one to begin with. That's the first step to staying on track. I love me a good plan, a good list...it makes overwhelming tasks...feel less so: pic.twitter.com/ReSJMGhABT

NYT best-selling author and personal finance expert Nicole Lapin says, "...come together and decide on one higher value gift and divvy up the cost throughout the group - this way everyone gets equal credit and you can all stick to your budgets."

Make a spending plan

It's easy to get lost in the frenzy of your Christmas shopping list and forget that you actually have a budget.

"Generosity is great - but don’t give up your own goals just to give more," Lapin says.

Going shopping on a budget doesn't make your gift any less sentimental. You definitely don't want to unwrap unneeded debt by the new year.

Apps are your friends

There are so many apps that can help you track spending, send money, or even split costs for a gift between friends or family.

You're likely going to have your phone throughout your holiday shopping journey, so you might as well put that "smart" phone to good use and manage your money wiser.

Lapin recommends the Zelle app, but feel free to peruse through your phone for an app that will make your holiday shopping easier and won't cost you a thing.

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Sears Wishbook catalogs were a big deal for Christmas shoppers and gift recipients. Jason Liebig has gathered and scanned catalogs from the 1930s to the 1990s through his website, WishBookWeb.com. This one is from circa 1952, courtesy of Liebig. Submitted